Former Liverpool midfielder recently revealed his struggles with cocaine addiction following his retirement from professional football. The player, who enjoyed a successful career playing for various clubs in the Premier League, shared his personal battle with substance abuse on a podcast.
He described how the transition from a high-energy football career to retirement left him feeling lost and struggling to cope with everyday life. The player admitted to turning to cocaine and marijuana as a way to fill the void left by the end of his playing days.
Despite initially believing he needed the drugs to function, he eventually sought help in 2017 and began the journey to recovery. He emphasized the importance of seeking support and how it has helped him develop a newfound desire to improve his life.
The player highlighted the challenges that many retired footballers face, noting that the adrenaline and dopamine rush from playing can be difficult to replace. He acknowledged the need for better post-career support for athletes to prevent them from falling into similar struggles.
While acknowledging the progress made in providing assistance to retired players, he cautioned that there is no foolproof system in place. He shared his own experiences of hitting rock bottom and emphasized the importance of reaching out for help during tough times.
His candid revelations shed light on the often overlooked issue of mental health and substance abuse among professional athletes, urging for more awareness and support within the sports industry.
